Rodgers on tactics, Spurs and strengths

As his team stand on the threshold of taking the Barclays Premier League summit, Brendan Rodgers has focused the spotlight on the attributes of his players that have brought them to this position.

Two favourable results on Saturday - defeat for Chelsea and a draw between Arsenal and Manchester City - mean the Reds can claim top spot if they rack up an eighth straight win on Sunday.

Standing in their way at Anfield will be Tottenham Hotspur, who suffered Rodgers' side at their clinical finest as the Londoners were totally dismantled 5-0 at White Hart Lane last December.

Further routs have followed; Everton and Arsenal were successively picked apart on home soil, while Southampton and Manchester United were each on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline earlier this month.

Having variously deployed a 4-3-3 system or 3-5-2 formation as necessary during this season to remember, the manager has recently favoured a diamond shape in his midfield.

It has clearly worked too. But given that it was not in use when the Reds were rampant in North London four months ago, does that give Rodgers an interesting dilemma ahead of the return?

"We just approach every game looking at a concept that can allow us to win," was the boss' measured response in an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.com.

"What we've got now is great flexibility within the squad. Our style remains the same but I can change the game tactically because of the flexibility of the players and the intelligence of the players.

"The diamond has worked well for us, but we have played 3-5-2 this season and it has worked very well, and 4-3-3. That flexibility has helped get us into the position we're in and it will be exactly the same in this game.

"We'll analyse the game to see where we can exploit our own game and give it to Tottenham. We'll see if we can get the victory."

Liverpool's scintillating performance at Spurs' home was, of course, remarkable enough; but that the victory was achieved without the presence of captain Steven Gerrard and the prolific Daniel Sturridge perhaps elevated the result even further.

The same has equally been true for the group's displays when denied the services of the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez for extended spells - and, naturally, it's a scenario welcomed by Rodgers.

He continued: "What that demonstrated was that the collective unit is more important than individuals.

"Steven has been brilliant this season but there have been games when we've been without him and won; Daniel, we've been without him and won; Luis, we've been without him and won; and young Philippe Coutinho, and other players.

"What we're doing is that the structure of the team will be the strength; if we've got great individuals to put into it, then that will make it function better.

"But our work here is based on the structure of the team - and that will always be the strength."

Each and every one of the side's 84 Premier League goals in this campaign have been greeted with an audible roar and shared celebration from the Liverpool dugout.

Joy has been etched on the faces of those on the substitutes' bench, in a clear-cut reflection of the cast-iron team spirit forged on a daily basis in training and overseen by Rodgers.

The 41-year-old has spoken on several occasions about the important role handed to those not currently in the starting line-up - and it's a challenge the group has taken very seriously.

"In particular, Lucas," said the boss. "Because he has been back for a number of weeks now and is training remarkably well and has been outstanding. But he's fully behind the team.

"Of course, he wants to play - that's why all players play initially when they are young. It's the game, they want to be involved in the game.

"When they're not playing, it can be disappointing, but they're very respectful.

"I've got to say, the players on the outside of the starting XI have been absolutely first-class this week, trained remarkably well, kept their professionalism and concentration.

"They're offering great support to the players that are playing. If anything happens, then at least we know they're going to be in good condition to come back into the team."

Less than 24 hours after conceding five to Liverpool, Tottenham parted company with then manager Andre Villas-Boas, who was later replaced by Tim Sherwood.

Given the visitors' tradition for attacking football, however, Rodgers expects to welcome opponents equally intent on seeking all three points this afternoon.

"I don't think the approach will be much different," he commented. "Tottenham are a great football club with an identity that has always been to play attractive, attacking football.

"That's how they'll look to play. They'll look to come and win the game, be expansive and look to win.

"Tim has taken over there and he's a passionate guy and he is obviously looking to get those methods and ideas into the players."